Post-Baccalaureate Studies (PBS)

The Post-Baccalaureate Studies (PBS) classification is designed for U.S. citizens or permanent residents who wish to undertake academic work beyond the bachelor's degree but who are not currently admitted to a degree program. This classification is not open to international students with the exception of the spouse of a regularly enrolled NC State student. In special cases where students are sponsored by an agency of the U.S. government for specialized, non-degree study, approval may be given by the Graduate School for registration in the PBS classification. The following rules apply to students who wish to register for PBS.

Please note that the following are university minimum requirements. Some departments may have more restrictive requirements.

All must have bachelor's degrees from accredited institutions of higher education. Registration is through Registration and Records.

All classes taken for credit by PBS students will be graded in the usual manner that applies for the particular course (A+ through F or S/U). All courses taken at NC State will appear on the student's transcript.

If the student is admitted as a graduate student, a maximum of 12 hours may apply toward the minimum university requirement of the master's degree (i.e., 30 credit hours) for which the student is enrolled, including hours approved for graduate credit while classified as a senior or unclassified graduate. The first 12 hours of course work taken at the graduate level in the PBS category will be accepted toward degree requirements unless a request for some other combination of 12 hours is made by the student's advisory committee and approved by the Graduate Dean. A maximum of 12 credit hours taken while in PBS status may be transferred into a doctoral degree program.

If a student's graduate degree is terminated, he/she cannot use courses taken in PBS status after termination for credit toward the same graduate degree program.

The grade point average (GPA) of a graduate student who has credits in the PBS category will be based on all courses taken at the 400-800 level. However, no course taken six (6) years prior to graduation from a program can be used to meet the requirements for a later graduate degree at NC State.

Registration is limited to a maximum of two courses per semester. Individuals who are employed full-time should limit their PBS registrations to one course per semester.

The PBS classification carries with it no implication that the student will be admitted to the Graduate School in any degree classification.

All course work accepted for degree credit must be approved by the student's advisory committee as being germane to the program. Requests for degree credit for courses completed in the PBS classification are considered after admission to a graduate degree program when the student's Plan of Graduate Work is filed with the Graduate School.

PBS students are expected to familiarize themselves with Graduate School and departmental policies and to seek further advice or clarification as needed.